Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: John 3:3-17
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which began as a way to commemorate St. Helena’s discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem in the fourth century.
Our Gospel today focuses on the importance of the cross as part of God’s plan for our salvation. The reading is taken from Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus at night. Nicodemus had either watched or heard of the signs Jesus had already worked, but as a Pharisee, he needed to question Jesus alone at night when others would not be watching.
In trying to explain why He came, Jesus reminded Nicodemus of how Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness to save the lives of the Israelites. Then He explained how He, too, must be lifted up. Finally, He delivers a line that can be considered the entire Gospel in microcosm:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The whole purpose of His mission was to save us, and that could only happen through His being lifted up on the cross.
The word “exaltation” means to “lift up,” and so on this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, let’s thank God for loving us so much that He gave us His only Son. Let’s remember this great gift of love by finding ways to lift up the cross. Perhaps display a cross or crucifix prominently in your home today. You might also pray the Stations of the Cross, or do some research on St. Helena and her quest to save the relics from Christ’s Passion. It’s a fascinating tale!
Ponder:
In what ways can I “lift up” the cross today and remember God’s great love for us?
Pray:
Lord, thank You for loving us so much that You gave us Your only Son! May we remember to love others as wholeheartedly as You love us.
Copyright 2022 Amy J. Cattapan
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